High school volleyball: Kenston beats Walsh Jesuit to advance to state (with video)

When the postseason started, 197 volleyball teams were alive in Division I.

When the field was cut to four on Saturday afternoon, Kenston was one of the lucky ones to still be in the hunt for a state championship.

The Bombers defeated Walsh Jesuit, 21-25, 25-21, 25-21, 21-25, 15-13, to win the regional title at Hudson High School. They are making their first trip to state since moving to Division I in 2010. Their last state appearance was in Division II in 2003 under former head coach Brian Coughlin, the older brother of current coach Danny Coughlin.

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"In 20 years of coaching, this has always been my goal," Coughlin said. "This is a special group of kids.

"This was part of our game plan when this team was put together. Did I see it happening to them as juniors? No. We are fortunate. They worked hard for this."

In past years, Walsh (20-7) was Kenston's nemesis, beating the Bombers in the district semifinals and finals numerous times. But the Bombers (20-7) weren't going to let it happen on this night.

"We are coming together because we are playing as a team and not as individuals," said junior middle hitter Emily Newell, who had a career-game with 13 kills on 14 assists with seven digs and four blocks. "When we play as a team, nobody can stop us when we put our mind to it. We just had the energy, strength and determination to win."

In Game 5, with the score tied, 12-12, the Bombers took a lead on a kill by Newell. The Bombers closed with a 2-1 run led by Amy Pilat, who had a service point, and Lori Zagar, who had the final kill.

"I had it in my mind from the beginning I was not going to lose," Newell said. "I wanted to go to state so bad. When I put my mind to something, I do it. I complete the task."

Along with Newell, Ohio University recruit Jaime Kosiorek led the Bombers with 18 kills on 26 attempts. She had seven digs and three blocks. Taylor Curtis added nine kills on 19 attempts. Division I recruit Stephanie Bindernagel had 18 digs.

"All we have been focusing on the past week is team, team, team," Coughlin said. "Jaime probably had the weakest night of the playoffs, and at the end of the game she said, 'The team had my back.' I told her, 'Everyone has everyone's back.' "

The Warriors were trailing, 9-7, in Game 1 before the Warriors went on an 8-0 run for the eventual win. The Bombers battled back in Game 2, led by Pilat, who had three aces. The Bombers had a 24-15 lead in Game 3, but the Warriors cut the lead to 24-21. The Bombers were able to close out the win with a kill by Pilat.

In Game 4, the Warriors closed with a 4-1 run to forced a Game 5. The Warriors were led by Northern Illinois recruit Mary Grace Kelly, who had 27 kills. Virginia Tech recruit Kyra Coundourides had 15 kills and 45 assists.

"We are one of four (Division I) teams still playing in the state of Ohio, and that is huge," Coughlin said. "When it's a Walsh vs. Kenston game, anything goes. Tonight, it just went our way."